Severe floods have inundated metro Manila, submerging entire communities after 9 days of rain. Yesterday, 18 inches of rain fell in the city, surpassing the total rain levels of Typhoon Ketsana (also called Ondoy) in 2009.  The AP reports that government officials are overseeing a rescue operation.

CRS Philippines country representative Joe Curry, reached by phone, gave the following update on the evolving emergency in Manila:

“The situation is changing quickly because it’s still raining. It hasn’t let up for the last nine days. We’re not sure how bad this will get with rains forecast to continue through Thursday. We’re waiting for word on how many people have gathered in evacuation centers and are in need of help.  Around half the city is flooded.”

Curry noted that all CRS staff are safe. CRS is beginning to purchase household and hygiene items and water kits to help people displaced from their homes. “These are some of the same areas that were affected by floods in 2009,” said Curry. “Sadly, it looks like thousands of people will need assistance.”

Joe Curry is available for interview. Media contacts: Jen Hardy and Liz O’Neill.